Position Summary

The Workplace Wellness and Leave Specialist is part of the Raincity Human Resources (HR) Business Partner team and reports to the Director, Human Resources Business Partners.  The role is responsible for developing and managing the leave administration program and for implementing wellness programs. This role focuses on reducing the length of time employees are on leave and providing suitable return-to-work options. The Wellness & Leave Specialist will work closely with insurance companies and WorkSafe BC to ensure compliance with legislation and support employees in challenging social environments, including communities affected by homelessness and addiction. The position oversees the Occupational Health and Safety Advisor.

Job Competition # job2025.135

Closing Date: Midnight, May 05, 2025

Job Title: Workplace Wellness & Leave Specialist

Department: Human Resources Business Partners

Position Type: Permanent, Full-Time, 1.0 FTE
Hours: 80 Hours Bi-Weekly
Salary Range: $85,000.00 – $95,000.00 Annually   
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:00AM – 5:00PM. A combination of work from home and in-office with flexible working arrangements.

Start Date: May 12, 2025 or ASAP

A clear British Columbia Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check for working with vulnerable adults and/or children is a condition of employment with RainCity Housing. Applicants must be willing and able to receive a clearance under the Criminal Record Review Act.  

This is a hybrid position with a maximum of 2 days per week in the downtown Vancouver office.  Additionally travel within the lower mainland may be required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Workplace Wellness & Leave Specialist is responsible for the following three key functions:

Leave Administration

• Collaborate with HR Business Partners, management, benefits, and employees to facilitate a smooth leave process. Work with third-party administrators to ensure the maintenance of employee leave records and confidential medical information is in accordance with provincial laws and internal policies.
• Administer and support employee-qualified leave of absence programs such as short and long-term disability leave, medical leaves, maternity/paternity leave and other legislated leaves.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all government regulations and laws and advise employees on Raincity policy, guidelines, and documentation requirements.
• Maintain appropriate contact with all employees on leave and respective management to communicate updates and coordinate all aspects of return-to-work for employees on leave.
• Coordinate with managers to develop modified work scheduling or return-to-work accommodations.
• Manage all aspects of employee leave administration, including processing leave requests, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Stay up to date with the latest industry trends and best practices in wellness and leave administration and make recommendations for incorporating new initiatives into Raincity’s programs.
• Analyze leave requests and reviews employee eligibility and certification. Collaborate with HR Business Partners and if necessary external legal counsel to ensure all leaves are properly designated.

Wellness Programs

• Develop and implement wellness programs and initiatives that support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of employees.
• Conduct regular assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of wellness programs and identify areas for improvement.
• Partner with other departments, such as HR Business Partners and Safety, to ensure that wellness programs align with Raincity policies and procedures.
• Plan and coordinate wellness events, workshops, and training sessions to educate employees on various health and wellness topics.
• Track and report on key metrics related to the success of wellness programs, including employee participation rates, program impact on health outcomes, and reduction in leave duration.

Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE)

• Manage the OHSE Advisor, ensuring that health and safety conditions are up-to-date, and any concerns are immediately addressed. This includes seeking volunteers or designating an Occupational Health and Safety Representative (OH&S Rep) to join the OHS Committee.
• Lead and manage the OHSE function within the organization, including developing and executing health and safety programs according to legal guidelines.
• Evaluate accident reports to determine accuracy and completeness and to ensure adequate scope of investigation for HR and health and safety team.
• Manage the entire worker's compensation claims process from initial reporting to resolution. This includes documenting incidents, filing claims with insurance carriers, and monitoring claim status.
• Prepare policies and procedures to ensure compliance and establish a culture of health and safety.
• Evaluate practices, procedures, facilities, and equipment to assess risk and compliance.
• Investigate accidents and incidents to discover causes and implement necessary changes.
• Conduct or coordinate training and presentations for health and safety matters and accident prevention.

Other duties as assigned/required.

CRITICAL SKILLS

• Highly organized, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and maintain a high level of attention to detail Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, generate reports, and provide strategic insights.
• Experience with data reporting and analysis tools to track leave trends and program outcomes.
• Proficiency with human resources information systems (HRIS), leave management platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• In-depth knowledge of provincial and federal legislation related to legislated leave options including critical illness, family responsibility, domestic or sexual violence, etc., and their related frameworks.
• Working knowledge of the integration of leaves and benefits.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Experience working in challenging social environments, such as homelessness and addiction, is preferred.
• Ability to make difficult decisions and deal with the pressures of leadership.
• Resolve conflict with internal and external interested parties with tact and diplomacy.
• Deal with large amounts of data and sensitive information.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Crisis management.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in leave management, disability accommodation, or absence management (including provincially regulated leaves, short and long-term disability and Worksafe BC).
• A minimum of 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Experience in providing consultation of the accommodation process to managers, employees, and/or HR business partners.
• Highly ethical and able to deal with confidential issues with tact, discretion & confidentiality.
• Customer service oriented with strong organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to navigate in a fast-paced and performance-oriented environment.
• Excellent English written and verbal presentation skills.
• Proficiency in using computers: Microsoft 365, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and various video conferencing platforms.

Preferred:

• MBA or master’s degree in human resources.
• Degree or diploma in Physiotherapy, Kinesiology, Nursing, Occupational Health & Safety or other related fields is a benefit.
• CPHR certification or CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) preferred.
• Experience working with marginalized communities such as the homeless or people with addictions.